Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of 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, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
