A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
