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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.