Just two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right 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 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 opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
