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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, 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 winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering 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.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.