It was eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
