A mere 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
