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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign 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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.