It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“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 proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
