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A mere two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for 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, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.