A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
