A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
