Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
