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It was 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.