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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.