Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
