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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.