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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.