A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for 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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
