A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
