Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
