A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator 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, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
