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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.