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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.