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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.