It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
