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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.