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A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.