A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
