A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
