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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, 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 games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.