It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
