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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.