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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“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 decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.