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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.