Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
