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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.