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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team'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 decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.