Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
