A mere 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
