Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
