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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.