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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.