A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
