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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.