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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.