A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
