Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
