Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
