A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
