Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
