It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source 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, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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 more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
