It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
