A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, 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 main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
