It was two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
