A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form 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.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
