A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
