It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign 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.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
