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It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.