Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa'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 manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
