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Just two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.