It was two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
