A mere 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
