A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
