A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
