It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
