A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
