A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
