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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.