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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.