Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
