A mere 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky 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
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
