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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.