A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
