Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
