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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.