It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
