It was 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
