A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
