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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.