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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.