Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
