Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
