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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.