Just 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
