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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.