A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
