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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of 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 touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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 opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They 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 may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.