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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.