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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.