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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.