A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
