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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“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 much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.