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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.