A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
