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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.