Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side'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 manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
