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It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.