It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source 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.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
