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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.