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A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.