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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.