Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
