It was two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
