It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
