It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
