A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
