Just two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa'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 manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
