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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.