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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.