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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.