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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.