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A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.