Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
