Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
