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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.