Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
