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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.