A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
