It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
