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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.