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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.