It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents 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 all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
