Just 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
