Just two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
