It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
