A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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 efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
