It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
