A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
