It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
