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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.