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Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.