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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.