It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
