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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.