It was two months prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
