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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.