Just two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
