Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
