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A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.