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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.