Just 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
