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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.