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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.