A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
