It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered 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 except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
