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Just two months prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed 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 matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.