A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
