A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
