A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
