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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.