It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“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 decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
