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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.