Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator 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 manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
