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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.