A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now 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 star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
