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A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.