Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
