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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause 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 was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.