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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.