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It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.