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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.