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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.