Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
