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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.