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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.