A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
