A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
