A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, 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 main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
