It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
