Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
