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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before 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 do not happen often and must be appreciated.