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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side'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 manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.