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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.