A mere 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
