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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.