It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
