It was eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
