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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.