A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
