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It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays 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.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.