It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be 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. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
