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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.