A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
