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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.