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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.