Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“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 decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
