Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.