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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa'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. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.