It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
