A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
