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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.