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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.