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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team'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 decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.