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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side'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, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.