Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
