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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.