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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.