It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
