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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.