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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.