It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
