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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.