A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
