A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
