Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“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. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
