A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
