A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
