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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.