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It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.