Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
