Just two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
