A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
