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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential 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 occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.