Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
