It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
