A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source 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, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
