It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
