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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.