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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.