A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
