It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
