A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
