Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
