Just 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
