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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.