It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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 shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
