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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator 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.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.