A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“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 sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
