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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.