It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“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 was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
