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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.