It was 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
