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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered 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 but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.