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Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.