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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.