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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.