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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.