A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign 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.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
