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It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team'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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.