A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
