Just two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
