A mere 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
