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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.