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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.