It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
