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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.