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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.