It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
