Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
