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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.