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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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 a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.