A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
