Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
