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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.