It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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 managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
