A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
