A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
