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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.