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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.