Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason 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, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
