It was two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign 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.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
