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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post 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.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.