A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa'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. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
