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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.