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Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.