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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.