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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.