A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
