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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.