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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.