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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team'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 proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.