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A mere two months ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.