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A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.