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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.