Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
