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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause 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.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.