A mere 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
