Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright 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.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
