A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
