A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side'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, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
