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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.