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Just two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.