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Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.