Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
