A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
