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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.