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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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 be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.