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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.