It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
