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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.