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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.