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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.