It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
