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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.