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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.