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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games 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 have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.