Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa'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 proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
