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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“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 far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.