Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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 more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
