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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.