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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.