A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
