A mere two months prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
