It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
