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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.