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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.