A mere 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
