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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances 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.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.