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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

“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 manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.