A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
