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Just 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.