A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
