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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

“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 was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying 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

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.