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A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.