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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year 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 appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.