It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
