It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
