Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
