It was 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
