It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
