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Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.