A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
