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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.