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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

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

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.