A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
