Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
