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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.