Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
