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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.