A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
