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It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.