It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
