A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
