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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for 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 was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.