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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.