A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
