A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright 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.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
