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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason 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, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.