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A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source 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, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.