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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.