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Just two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.