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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.