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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.