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It was 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.