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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.