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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.