It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
