A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
