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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.