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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.