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Just two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.