A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa'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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
