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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.