Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
