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Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.