Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
