A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
