Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team'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, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
