It was eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
