It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title 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. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
