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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. 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 could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.