It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“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. As Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
