It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
