Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
