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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.