A mere two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
