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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.