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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.