A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
