It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
