Just two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
