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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.