It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
