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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.