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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.