A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
