Just two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“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 was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
