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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa'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, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.