It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
