Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
