Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
