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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.