Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
