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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.