A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
