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It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.