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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.