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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team'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, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.