Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
