Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
