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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.