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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.