A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
