A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
