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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.