A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side'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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.