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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.