A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
