A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder 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 should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
