It was two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“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 proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
