It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
