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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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 opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.