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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.