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Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.