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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.