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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

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

Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.