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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of 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 touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.