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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.