It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
