It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side'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 decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals 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, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
