Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
