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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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 opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due 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.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.