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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.