Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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 efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
