It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
