Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
