Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky 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 is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
