It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
