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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.