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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team had an xG 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 appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.