It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
