It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
