Just two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
