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Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“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 sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.