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It was 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.