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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.