A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
