It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances 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 sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
