A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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 opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
