Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
