It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa'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 much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
