It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
