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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

“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 proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.