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Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.