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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.