Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
