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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.