Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“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 decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
