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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year 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 should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.