A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
