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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.