It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
