Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
