It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. 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 broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
