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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom 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 far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.