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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.