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It was 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.