It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
