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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.