Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
