A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
