Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
