A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
