It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
