Just 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source 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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
