It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side'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 sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
