It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
