It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
