It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
