It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
