🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of 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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts 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 fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.