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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.