It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
