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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.