A mere two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
