A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
