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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.