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Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be 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 hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.