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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 registered 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 fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.