Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
