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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason 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.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.