A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for 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 proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
