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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.