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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator 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.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.