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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.