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A mere two months ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.