A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
