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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.