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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“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 decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.