It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
