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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers 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 is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.