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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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 a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.