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A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.