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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.