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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.