A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
