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A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.