Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
