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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.