It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
