Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
