Just two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
