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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.