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It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.