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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.