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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.