Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
