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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.