It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
