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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.