A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
