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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.