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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.