Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
