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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.