It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
