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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.