A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
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. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
