A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before 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 are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
