A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
