A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
